Friday, June 29, 2007

An Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, Mary J. Blige and Nelly Furtado, an execution of a major character and a successful four-day musical event are all part of the drama, achievement and acclaim for ABC’s “One Life to Live” in the past year. The Emmy Award-winning drama reaches a new milestone on FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, the airing of the 10,000th episode. Beloved characters will return to Llanview to celebrate the life of character Asa Buchanan. Returning favorites include Nathan Fillion (Joey Buchanan), Dan Gauthier (Kevin Buchanan), John Loprieno (Cord Roberts), Tonja Walker (Alex Olanov) and James DePaiva (Max Holden). To mark the occasion, the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting will honor the show during an on-set celebration on TUESDAY, JULY 3. Additionally, as a special “wink” to the audience, the show will reference the number 10,000 in every episode between JULY 30 and AUGUST 10.

“10,000 shows is a remarkable achievement,” said executive producer Frank Valentini, who started at “One Life to Live” in 1985 with episode 4209. “I am extremely proud to be part of a show that has been able to make such an enduring mark on popular culture.”

Agnes Nixon created “One Life to Live,” which premiered on July 15, 1968, as a half-hour show. The show has been lauded for its groundbreaking exploration of social issues, award-winning performances and innovative storylines. Along with the history-making live week in 2002, “One Life to Live” is responsible for many “firsts” in daytime television, including themes of interracial romance and gang violence, as well as problems of literacy, medical misdiagnosis, lupus and racial prejudice.

“With immense pride, I congratulate all of the talented and dedicated people over many years who are responsible for the heartwarming success of ‘One Life to Live,’” said Agnes Nixon.

Most recently “One Life to Live” produced another “first,” “Prom Night: The Musical.” The four-day musical event featured the high drama of a high school prom with a score of original songs assembled by executive producer Frank Valentini and music director Paul Glass. The stylized production included musical performances and dance numbers, and told the star-crossed love story of Starr (Kristen Alderson) and Cole (Brandon Buddy). With the success of “Prom Night: the Musical,” “One Life to Live” continues to forge its unique path in ABC’s daytime lineup as a music-focused show, having hosted an impressive list of performers including Nelly Furtado, Mary J. Blige, Jeannie Ortega, Lifehouse, Tito Puente Jr., Simply Red, Chris Botti and Erykah Badu.

Additional accomplishments include mass critical acclaim for its 1992 homophobia storyline, which captured national headlines when it introduced the character of a gay teen and culminated with the emotional display of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. In 1994 the show received equally high praise and garnered four Daytime Emmy Awards -- including one for Best Writing -- for its riveting fraternity gang rape storyline. “One Life to Live” won four Emmys again in 2000, including awards for costume design and music direction, and in 2001 it was the recipient of two Emmy Awards. Viki’s breast cancer storyline was honored with the 2000 CDC Sentinel for Health Award.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Eden Riegel (Bianca Montgomery, All My Children) will be returning to the show for one day at the end of the summer, but she won't be in Pine Valley. Bianca and Kendall will be having a phone conversation, with Kendall in Pine Valley and Bianca in Paris. Her scenes are scheduled to air August 18.

Actor, comedian and musician Alan Thicke returns to The Bold and the Beautiful reprising his role as talk-show host Rich Ginger on Monday, August 6.

Pop/R&B singer Lil’ Keesha comes to The Bold and the Beautiful playing a Boldface Records artist and performs her new single “Heaven Knows.” Her airdate is scheduled for July 30, 2007.

Paul Fitzgerald returns to Guiding Light as Colin to help Reva through a difficult time on Friday, June 29.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

While my print article won't appear until July 20, I just had to share some of my interview with actor Jason Priestley (of 90210 fame, of course). I got off the phone with him literally an hour ago and am still so excited, I just had to share it with you all.

Jason is co-starring in a new dramedy from Lifetime Television called Side Order of Life. I saw the pilot episode last night, and I can tell you that this one is a winner. It was so good. It had everything: humor, pathos, drama, quirkiness -- everything you could ask for in a television show.

Plus, it has friggin' Brandon Walsh!

I asked him how he felt, with the renewed interest in Beverly Hills, 90210 since its DVD release, about the fact that some people will always see him as Brandon Walsh. Like, does he ever get tired of talking about 90210 and answering questions about it?

His response: "I guess a certain amount of people still see me as that. There is no way around that. It was one of those seminal television shows that people related to strongly. It was a big part of my career. So many of the good things in my career I owe to that show. You can't bite the hand that feeds you. You also have to be respectful of people. If someone loved the show, and loved watching you on that show, that is their opinion and you shouldn't take that away from them. 'You liked watching me on the show? Well, thank you!' You know?"

I was so impressed by his realistic and mature attitude about the show. So many actors try to forget what made them famous as they move on in their careers, and they forget where they came from. He knows that doesn't define him, and he came away with lifelong friends and great memories and experience.

Also, he was especially impressed with and happy about the fact that I had seen his movie, The Fourth Angel, where he stars alongside Jeremy Irons and Forest Whitaker. It was supposed to be released in the theatres shortly after 9/11, but because a plane gets hijacked in the beginning of the movie, of course, the studio didn't see it as appropriate to release. So, the movie kinda got swept under the rug. However, it is available on DVD. I rented it from Netflix. It really is an undiscovered gem, and ya'all should check it out. This is truly a departure from Brandon Walsh, that's for sure.

In the meantime, be sure to catch Side Order of Life on Lifetime Television. It premieres Sunday, July 15 at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow on The Bold and the BeautifulRidge confronts Rick about his "Other Woman" in front of Phoebe.

Next Week on Days of Our Lives* Roman admits that he is attracted to Anna.* Belle, Philip and Claire have a family day.* Chelsea and Nick meet Jett's fiancée Danielle.* An argument between Tony and EJ causes Stefano to collapse.* Everyone gathers at Bo & Hope's to celebrate the 4th of July.

Next Week on PassionsMonday, July 2* The Blackmailer promises to bring Pretty to town if Sheridan kills Theresa.* Rebecca tracks a lead to J.T.'s USB stick.* Ivy lets it slip that Fox is not really ill!

Tuesday, July 3* The Blackmailer kisses Ethan.* Kay is stunned when she discovers Fox has been lying to her.* Theresa thinks she is being chased through the woods.

Wednesday, July 4* The Blackmailer fantasizes about dancing with Ethan.* Fox blames his parents for ruining his life.* Chad vows to win Whitney back.

This Week on The Young and the Restless* The election results are in – who will win? Jack or Nikki?* An injured Nick returns to Genoa City.* Victor arrives home to see his son. Will he forgive Nikki for her indiscretion with David?* Colleen agrees to help Kevin in his dangerous quest to find Jana, causing a rift between her and Adrian.* Gloria schemes to prevent William from revealing her secret as a determined Maggie and Paul come closer to discovering the truth.